Monthly Archive for September, 2009

MARKETPLACE NEWS: NEW GIGS & GIGS CLOSING SOON – SUBMIT YOUR EPK!

Published by BethanyLeavey on September 30, 2009 in Marketplace News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The OurStage Marketplace connects artists looking for gigs with venues looking for new talent. With amazing opportunities both around the USA and the world, the OurStage Marketplace is the place to be for up-and-coming artists!

This week, we’re spotlighting some new gigs in the OurStage Marketplace as well as some gigs with fast-approaching application deadlines. Please make sure you read the gig info carefully before you submit your Electronic Press Kit (EPK). If you are a hip hop artist applying for a country gig, you are not only wasting your time, you are also wasting the venue’s time. The same is true for bands from California applying for gigs in Connecticut when the venues specifically state they are looking for local bands. Take a look at the gigs below and find one that’s right for you! Keep checking the OurStage Marketplace, accessible via the “Marketplace” button on the main navigation bar, for the most up-to-date gig listings. Don’t see any gigs in your area? Tell your favorite venue about the OurStage Marketplace.

New Gigs

ICDYFDZGEVWJ-320x240Location: Ground Zero, Allenstown, NH

Opportunity: Live Performance

Gig Date: October 17th, 2009

Application Deadline: October 7th, 2009

Gig Info: Looking for 5 bands from New England for an October 17th bill. If you are interested and have other bands that you are friends with to support the bill, leave a note when you apply. Be sure to include links to the other bands. Indie, Rock, Metal, Grunge, Dance rock, Electronica , etc., encouraged. No Rap, Blues or Country please. Submit your EPK here.

RQPLJOMWBWFS-320x240-150x115Location: Amity Teen Center, Woodbridge, CT

Opportunity: Live Performance

Gig Date: October 23rd, 2009

Application Deadline: October 9th, 2009

Gig Info: Looking for bands for a show with Autumn in an Ambulance, R.A.I.L., The Silence Beneath Us and Oath of Insanity. Bands must have decent draw in the New Haven, Connecticut area. Each band will play a 30-45 minute set. Submit your EPK here.

WMPPUEYLELGZ-320x240-150x101Location: MilkBoy Main Stage, Ardmore, PA

Opportunity: Live Performance

Gig Date: October 29th, 2009

Application Deadline: October 15th, 2009

Gig Info: Philly area Jazz-influenced artist needed for bill with Nathan McEuen. Must have good local draw. Submit your EPK here.

Gigs Closing Soon

ICDYFDZGEVWJ-320x240Location: Ground Zero, Allenstown, NH

Opportunity: Live Performance

Gig Date: October 2nd, 2009

Application Deadline: September 30th, 2009

Gig Info: Looking for 2 local indie rock bands. If interested and have other bands that you are friends with to support the bill, leave a note when you apply. Be sure to include links to the other bands. Indie rock bill with Attack The City, Strike Orange and A Time For Everything.

WMPPUEYLELGZ-320x240-150x101Location: MilkBoy Main Stage, Ardmore, PA

Opportunity: Live Performance

Gig Date: October 9th, 2009

Application Deadline: October 2nd, 2009

Gig Info: Philly area Folk/Bluegrass/Americana bands needed for bill with Gypsy Dave and the Stumpjumpers w/Fellswoop. Must have good local draw. Submit your EPK here

ICDYFDZGEVWJ-320x240Location: Ground Zero, Allenstown, NH

Opportunity: Live Performance

Gig Date: October 3rd, 2009

Application Deadline: October 2nd, 2009

Gig Info: Looking for 5 bands from New England for an October 3rd bill. If interested and have other bands that you are friends with to support the bill, leave a note when you apply. Be sure to include links to the other bands. Indie, Rock, Metal, Grunge, Dance rock, Electronica , etc.. encouraged. No Rap, Blues or Country please. Submit your EPK here.

For more info about Ground Zero, click here.

For more info about MilkBoy Main Stage at MilkBoy Coffee, click here.

For more info about the Amity Teen Center, click here.

For more info about the OurStage Marketplace, check out the Marketplace FAQ section.

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HOW TO SELL YOUR MUSIC ONLINE

Published by Kate B on September 30, 2009 in Artist News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

OS_HowTo_SellMusicOnline

According to a recent independent report by market research firm NPD, digital music sales currently account for 35% of all music sold in the US. What’s more, those numbers are expected to go up, equaling CD sales by the end of 2010. As far as music retailers go, iTunes leads the race, accounting for 25% of all music sold as well as 69% of digital music sales. Trailing behind iTunes, Walmart and Best Buy fall into second and third place for leading music retailers, and Amazon MP3 takes second place for strictly digital sales.

Enough of the numbers—the bottom line is that now more than ever it’s important to make sure your music is able to be purchased online. And there are hundreds of online stores where you can stock your music, from iTunes to Napster, Lala, Amie Street, Rhapsody, eMusic and more.

The question is, how to go about it?

Well, there are lots of avenues to explore. Some online retailers require you go through a digital distributor (iTunes), while others will give you an option to self-publish and distribute your own material (such as Amazon MP3). Typically, the easiest way to get on the retail sites you want, is to go through a distributor. The four main players in this arena are Nimbit, Snocap, CDBaby and Tunecore.

The good news is, there’s no exclusivity agreement with any of these companies—meaning if you’re willing to shell out any applicable registration or set up fees then you can sign up with all of them. But make sure you know exactly which services you’re getting with each one. Here are some questions you’ll want answered:

•    Can you sell CDs, MP3s or both?

•    Can you sell MP3 singles, or just albums?

•    What is the commission deducted for each sale?

•    Which retail stores does the distributor have a partnership with?

•    Can you sell direct-to-buyer (via widgets for social networking sites)?

•    Are there annual fees or payouts?

•    Can you collect email addresses or other information on each seller?

Once you’ve done your research, you should be able to decide which distributor(s) to go with. And with their help, you may finally start hearing the sweet sound of “cha-ching,” “bling-bling” or maybe even “ring ring” —you know, when your friends and family start calling and asking you for money.

signatures_kateb4

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FINE TUNINGS: RACHEL FLOTARD, THE VISQUEEN OF POP

Published by Carla DeSantis on September 30, 2009 in Artist Feature, Artist News and Fine Tunings. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

rachel

OSBlog02_FineTunings_RachelFlotardWith 2 previous critically-acclaimed albums, King Me and Sunset on Dateland, already under their belt, 3 is the charm for Visqueen’s brand new album, A Message To Garcia. Fronted by the dynamic, whip-smart and hilarious Rachel Flotard, the power-pop trio makes an art of great songwriting that boasts more hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box.

In a city like Seattle, where the number of local bands equals the annual number of raindrops, Visqueen is almost as iconic as the Space Needle. But it’s been a few years between albums. Why? Rachel’s musical schedule was hugely curtailed while she cared for her terminally ill dad, a life-long steamfitter who  died from prostate cancer in April after a long and valiant battle. A Message to Garcia is a devoted daughter’s tribute to the late George Flotard, and he would be very proud indeed.


Readers with a soft spot for the Pacific Northwest’s musical gene pool, may already recognize Rachel as one of Neko Case’s back-up singers. She provided vocals on Neko’s albums, Middle Cyclone and Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Rachel’s riveting charisma flew off the screen on a recent Neko Case Letterman appearance, a year and eight days after her dad’s passing. On Message Neko backs up Rachel, and can be heard on 5 of the album’s 11 stellar tracks. “Every song is a single,” says John Richards of KEXP, “One of the best records of the year.”

No stranger to hard work, Rachel started a label, Local 638 Records, another nod to her dad, to put out Message. I had a few questions for Ms. Flotard, and she was gracious enough to answer in her own unique way.


CD: What took you so long to get this album out? I’ve been hearing bits of it for, I think, it’s been 3 years!


RF: I know. Sorry about that. For the last several years I was living with the coolest prostate cancer patient on the west coast, my dad. I juggled music and his care until I couldn’t do both anymore. Timing wasn’t right to put out an album, even though I wanted to pretend it was. Hence the bits you heard, and trying to keep my band-hat on while my nurse’s uniform was getting too tight.
Now that I’ve had time to breathe after losing him, it all makes total sense. Visqueen is, and has always been, independent. It takes focus for me to make it move. Today I have the strength and motivation of 10 dads.

CD: How did you decide to start your own label rather than signing to an established one this time out?

RF: Releasing the new album on my own schedule and terms instead of waiting for the miracle label situation (which doesn’t exist, by the way) to reveal itself, was essential. I’m happy I made the decision to take this on. It fits the way I work. It can be as big or as small as I want it to be, because “established” doesn’t mean “wiser route,” “proven theory” or even “resourceful thinking.” The music business can sometimes feel like an industry packed with Chicken Littles who need safe bets and low cherries. Lucky for me, my cherries don’t touch the ground.

CD: How did you first meet up with Neko?


RF: She’s been stalking me pretty hard for a long time. I think she wants a piece of my caboose in the worst way. You’ll have to ask her the real story because I’m still trying to figure it out. It involves Minnie Mouse gloves and deep fried tomatoes, I’m sure.

Continue reading ‘FINE TUNINGS: RACHEL FLOTARD, THE VISQUEEN OF POP’

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PRINCE FLAME WINS POLOW DA DON “MY FORMULA. MY CHANCE.” CONTEST

Published by KB@OS on September 29, 2009 in Artist News. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .
Congratulations to Prince Flame

Congratulations to Prince Flame

In August, Coca-Cola, Radio One and OurStage teamed up to give aspiring R&B and Hip Hop artists the chance of a lifetime in the “My Formula. My Chance.” talent series. OurStage artists submitted their best original, radio-friendly music for a chance to work with super producer Polow da Don. Polow has produced material for Keri Hilson, Rich Boy, Chris Brown, Fergie, Usher, Nelly and most recently worked with Mary J. Blige on her smash single “Stronger” from the More Than a Game movie soundtrack. Congratulations to Georgia native Prince Flame, who won the contest after beating out over 1,500 competing artists. The OurStage editorial team conducted a phone interview with the 15 year-old champion, watch the video below to listen in! Congratulations, Prince!

Check out Prince Flame’s winning entry, “Swagg Like Me.”

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NOW PLAYING: MUNSON’S STAFF PICKS

Published by Rainy on September 29, 2009 in Playlists. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

OSNowPlaying_Munson

“Now Playing” features playlists as well as information about the person responsible for the mix. Up next: Munson’s staff picks! 

About Me: I go by the name Munson. Yes, like from Kingpin. It’s actually my name. I love metal. A lot. I like other stuff too, but mostly metal. I’m a man of many talents and interests, but no specialties. Jack of all trades, master of none. I love to write, both for the OurStage blog and my personal blog, as well as for my school’s music magazine.

Favorite Artists: Hard to say, they change so often. Currently I would say: August Burns Red, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Faceless, 3 Inches of Blood, Protest the Hero and Arsis.

Favorite OurStage Artists: Derelict, Shot At Dawn, Sicarus, Shatter This World, The Syncope Threshold, Machiavellian, Eroica and Rapture Cabaret

If I Were a Rock Star for a Day I’d Be: Rob Halford or Lemmy. Definitely not Lars Ulrich.

Because… Two of the most badass dudes in the history of metal. Rob Halford has one of the coolest voices in the history of music, let alone metal. He also was the pioneer of the studded leather look. Lemmy is Lemmy, bassist and vocalist for Motörhead. He’s been rocking harder than most anyone for close to two decades now, and has not lost any awesome. All he has lost is the enunciation in his speech, so no one can ever understand what he’s talking about through his amazingly thick accent. This I consider is a plus, because you could say anything to anyone, and no one would ever have the slightest clue what you said. About Lars… he’s a big, untalented [bleep]. That’s pretty much it.

 

Want to share your playlist? Click HERE to find out how!

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